A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermine period of time. A counter inactivates the programmable key after a predetermined maximum number of activations.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. A programmable security system for protecting items of merchandise from theft, the programmable security system comprising: a logic control circuit configured to provide a unique security code, the unique security code being unique to the logic control circuit; a programmable key comprising a memory configured to store the unique security code; and a security device comprising an alarm and a memory for storing the unique security code, the security device configured to be attached to an item of merchandise, the security device further configured to activate the alarm in response to the integrity of the security device being compromised, wherein the programmable key is configured to control the security device upon a matching of the unique security code stored in the memory of the security device with the unique security code stored by the programmable key.
2. The programmable security system of claim 1 , further comprising an attachment cable attached to the security device.
3. The programmable security system of claim 2 , wherein the alarm is configured to be activated in response to cutting the attachment cable.
4. The programmable security system of claim 2 , wherein the alarm is configured to be activated in response to detaching the attachment cable from the security device.
5. The programmable security system of claim 2 , wherein the attachment cable extends between the security device and the item of merchandise.
6. The programmable security system of claim 2 , further comprising a recoiler connected to the attachment cable.
7. The programmable security system of claim 6 , wherein the recoiler is located within the security device.
8. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the security device further comprises a visual indicator configured to indicate a status of the security device.
9. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the programmable key comprises a visual indicator configured to indicate a status thereof.
10. The programmable security system of claim 1 , further comprising a switch configured to actuate the logic control circuit for generating the unique security code.
11. The programmable security system of claim 1 , further comprising a programming station housing the logic control circuit.
12. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the security device comprises a port for receiving the programmable key therein.
13. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the programmable key is configured to wirelessly communicate with the security device.
14. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the programmable key is configured to be inactivated after a predetermined period of time or a predetermined number of activations.
15. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the security device further comprises a switch configured to be actuated for activating the alarm in response to the integrity of the security device being compromised.
16. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the logic control circuit is configured to change the unique security code.
17. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the logic control circuit is configured to randomly generate the unique security code.
18. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the unique security code is unique to a particular retail establishment or retail store.
19. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the unique security code is not chosen by a person.
20. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the programmable key is configured to provide the unique security code to the security device for storing the unique security code.
21. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the logic control circuit comprises a memory for storing the unique security code.
22. A method for protecting items of merchandise from theft, the method comprising: providing a unique security code with a logic control circuit, the unique security code being unique to the logic control circuit; storing the unique security code at a programmable key; storing the unique security code at a security device attached to an item of merchandise, the security device comprising an alarm configured to be activated in response to the integrity of the security device being compromised; and controlling the security device upon a matching of the unique security code provided by the logic control circuit with the unique security code stored by the security device.
23. The method of claim 22 , wherein the providing comprises generating the unique security code with the logic control circuit.
24. The method of claim 23 , wherein the generating comprises randomly generating the unique security code with the logic control circuit.
25. The method of claim 22 , further comprising changing the unique security code with the logic control circuit to a new unique security code.
26. The method of claim 22 , wherein the controlling comprises disarming the security device upon a matching of the unique security code provided by the logic control circuit with the unique security code stored by the security device.
27. The method of claim 22 , further comprising communicating the unique security code to the programmable key.
28. The method of claim 27 , wherein the communicating comprises wirelessly communicating the unique security code to the programmable key.
29. The method of claim 22 , further comprising storing the unique security code at the logic control circuit.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
November 3, 2015
July 19, 2016
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